Baghdatis beats fifth-seeded Tiafoe in Atlanta Open

ATLANTA (AP) — Marcos Baghdatis beat fifth-seeded Frances Tiafoe 7-5, 6-1 on Thursday in the BB&T Atlanta Open to set up a quarterfinal match against fourth-seeded Matthew Ebden.

The 33-year-old Baghdatis, from Cyprus, has won two straight matches at Atlantic Station after losing seven of his previous eight.

"It's been a tough year," Baghdatis said. "But what happened, happened. Now I'm here and I'm in the quarterfinals. I'm happy."

Ebden, from Australia, beat local favorite Donald Young 6-4, 6-4.

"I knew he was going to be tough here, because he lives here," Ebden said. "He practices in these conditions and he's as comfortable as anyone in these conditions, I suppose."

Baghdatis lost the 2015 final to John Isner, the 6-foot-10 former University of Georgia star who reached the quarterfinals Wednesday night in his bid to win the event for the fifth time.

Second-seeded Nick Kyrgios of Australia, the winner over Isner in the 2016 final, advanced to face Britain's Cameron Norrie.

Kyrgios beat Noah Rubin 7-5, 6-2.

"I always feel comfortable playing here," Kyrgios said. "Obviously, had a fair bit of success here. I just feel comfortable. The court suits my game style. I can serve well, I can make a couple of returns and play aggressively."